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Carshalton Chest and Heart Care Committee
This voluntary Committee, originally constituted some 30 years ago
as the Carshalton Tuberculosis Care Committee to assist local tuberculous
families, extended the scope of its activities in 1959 to include
chest and heart cases other than those of tubercular origin which are
referred to it from the chest clinics. As expected, the help afforded to
the non-tuberculous has steadily increased since this additional work was
undertaken and there is no doubt that considerable scope exists for
further useful service to this type of case when it is appreciated that the
non-tuberculous cases attending the chest clinics are several times more
numerous than those with this particular infection.
The annual report of the Committee shows the diversity of ways in
which patients and their families are assisted, ways in which the statutory
health and welfare services are unable to help. They include grants
for fuel, clothing, materials for occupational therapy, radio and television,
fares to hospital, insurance premiums, Christmas gifts, etc., etc.
A long-established feature of the Committee's activities is the provision
of holidays for patients and their families which, but for this Committee,
could not be enjoyed. The children from affected households are particularly
remembered at Christmas time when an outing is arranged to
some festive entertainment, pantomime, circus or the like, for about 80
children. Special help is not infrequently given on a substantial scale
for re-establishing business or providing mechanised transport to work.
Disbursements in these many ways amounted in 1960 to approximately
£600, whilst the administrative expenses are less than £20. All service
by Committee members and officers is entirely voluntary.
Carshalton Old People's Welfare Committee
No section of the community is probably more in need of a better
service than the old and infirm. The provision of residential care for the
aged, both by the hospital and welfare services, is so inadequate that
not only must the fullest possible use be made of the statutory domiciliary
service but there is urgent need of voluntary help in innumerable
directions. It was with this dire need in mind that the Old People's
Welfare Committee was launched in the district in 1957. The Darby and
Joan Clubs in the town were already doing excellent work for the
ambulant aged, but there are many who are bed- or house-bound or
who are not disposed to join in communal activities who need help.
This voluntary Committee is still in its infancy. It has already set up
a meals-on-wheels service, a chiropody service and a home visiting
service but there still remains great scope for further help to the old.
There is need, for example, of a service of sitters-in, both day and night,
of a service to give temporary relief to hard-pressed relatives, of day
centres, and many other ways in which the lot of this pathetic section of
the community can be relieved. This cannot be achieved without funds.
The District Council makes a generous donation each year to the Committee,
and the County Council, as the health and welfare authority, has
shown itself in fullest sympathy with all these voluntary schemes and
invariably gives its encouragement and assistance, but there remains
need for financial assistance on a much wider scale.
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